Landscaping Rules in Eagan, MN (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Eagan, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
In Eagan, all turfgrass must be kept under 8 inches, measured from the ground to the tip of each blade. Vegetation in the boulevard right-of-way also cannot exceed 8 inches. Other permitted, non-turf vegetation that naturally grows taller is allowed only if maintained appropriately for its type.
Eagan Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Eagan does not require a permit for residents to trim trees on their own private property, but anyone hired to do tree work in the city must hold a Tree Maintenance Contractor License. Trees in the boulevard right-of-way (roughly 10 to 12 feet from the curb) are the City's responsibility, not the adjacent owner's.
Eagan Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Homeowners in Eagan generally do not need a city permit to remove trees on existing residential lots, but tree removal during land development is regulated by the tree preservation standards in City Code Chapter 11. Any contractor hired to remove a tree must be licensed. Boulevard and other right-of-way trees are removed by the City.
Eagan Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Eagan prohibits unmanaged plant growth and noxious weeds and caps general vegetation at 8 inches under City Code Section 10.21. Noxious weeds are controlled under Minnesota's Noxious Weed Law, which requires property owners to manage state-listed noxious weeds whenever a weed inspector orders it.
Eagan Weed and Noxious Weed Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Eagan enforces a year-round odd-even outdoor watering schedule for all properties. Addresses ending in an odd number water on odd calendar dates; even-numbered addresses water on even dates. The only exception is for new sod, seed or landscaping during the first three weeks after planting.
Eagan Outdoor Watering Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Eagan actively encourages rainwater harvesting with rain barrels and rain gardens to reduce stormwater runoff. The City publishes no permit requirement for residential rain barrels and supports rain gardens through cost-share and Dakota County workshops. Harvested roof water should not be used on edible plants or for drinking.
Eagan Rainwater Harvesting and Rain Barrels
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Eagan allows native plantings, meadows, rain gardens and bee gardens through a no-fee Managed Natural Landscape registration under City Code Section 10.21. These landscapes may exceed the 8-inch height limit but must keep a 3-foot mowed buffer along property lines and buildings, exclude noxious weeds, and be actively maintained. Letting turf grass grow wild is prohibited.
Eagan Native Plants and Managed Natural Landscapes
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Eagan does not publish a specific artificial-turf ordinance for residential yards. The City's landscaping standards require disturbed areas to have established vegetation or erosion control, and new construction must establish turfgrass by sodding or seeding before a Certificate of Occupancy. Use in the public right-of-way needs a Landscaping in the Right-of-Way permit; verify zoning before installing.
Eagan Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting is allowed in Eagan with bin and placement rules. Enclosures need at least three sides or be circular, sit behind the home, and be set back 30 feet from buildings and streets and 5 feet from property lines. Bin volume is capped at 100 cubic feet (150 on larger lots). Meat, dairy and pet waste are prohibited.